1. Mineral Families and Mineral Resources

2. Classification of Minerals
Minerals are classified or grouped into families according to their chemical composition

3. Mineral Families Native Elements: consist of a single element
Halides: consist of a metal plus a halogen (Cl, F, Br)
Carbonates: consist of a metal and carbonate group (CO3)
Sulfides: consist of metal and sulfur
Sulfates: consist of a metal and sulfate group (SO4)
Oxides: consist of metal and oxygen
Silicates: consist of silicon and oxygen (SiO4 or SiO2)

4. examples: Native Elements: Graphite, and Sulfur
Halides: halite, fluorite
Carbonates: Calcite, Dolomite
Sulfides: Pyrite, Galena
Sulfates: Gypsum
Oxides: Magnetite, Hematite
Silicates: Quartz, olivine, garnet, mica, feldspar, amphibole etc...

5. Silicates: The largest mineral family
Largest family of minerals
most common
basic unit-tetrahedron
consists of SiO4

10. Other facts:
Rare minerals of great beauty and value are classified as gems (ex: diamonds, rubies)
Minerals that have a commercial value and use and can be extracted from the earth are ores. These are usually metals. (ex: lead, iron)
We are studying minerals or mineralogy.